The European University Association in partnership with the University of Vienna organised (on 2-3 March 2006, in the framework of the Austrian EU Presidency 2006) the thematic seminar "Strengthening Higher Education and Research in South East Europe: Priorities for Regional and European Cooperation" focussing on the topics of “Research and Innovation”, “The Bologna Process” and “Institutional Reform and Development”.
The outcomes of the meeting represented in the “Conclusions and Recommendations” were also presented to the European Education Ministerial Conference on 16-17 March 2006 in Vienna.
Foremost the participants are calling for an increasing investment in higher education and research, amendment of higher education legislation, establishment of R&D infrastructures, linking universities and industry, increased participation in the Framework Programme, and cooperation in the implementation of the Bologna objectives.